The intellectual heart of UC Berkeley, the College of Letters and Science (L&S) is the largest of the university’s 14 colleges and schools and the most prestigious teaching and research unit in the UC system.

The L&S Office of Undergraduate Advising, with a staff of highly skilled and experienced college advisers, is here to help you make the best choices for your academic career and get the most out of your time at Berkeley.

The College of Letters & Science stands at the heart of Berkeley’s intellectual preeminence and comprehensive excellence. Our continued leadership in education, research, and public service depends on private philanthropy.

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Mathematical & Physical Sciences Graduate Diversity Office

The Science Diversity Office works with departments, faculty, staff and students to increase the number of women and underrepresented students in the physical sciences at Berkeley. Established in 1993, the Science Diversity office advocates for and provides an array of services to students. The Math & Physical Sciences Division is a national leader in addressing the persistent problem of underrepresentation in the sciences in the US. Berkeley enrolls and graduates more underrepresented minorities with Ph.D.'s in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering than any other university.

Our staff is available to assist undergraduates and graduate students, as well as prospective students. We provide assistance applying to graduate school in Math &the Physical Sciences. The Diversity Office also offers advocacy, advising and other resources and services for current students. The Science Diversity Office's objective in providing these services is to increase the diversity of the student population and the professoriate in the sciences. The Science Diversity Office is open to all students.

Berkeley Science Network/Berkeley Science Connections

The purpose of the BSN is to create a comprehensive network (both online and interpersonal), which strives to advance underrepresented students in the mathematical, physical sciences, and computer sciences, and eliminate barriers faced by those students.

BSN is a unique community of scientists, which will provide:

A social network for mentors and mentees.

Networking across disciplines, generations, and professions.

Coaching and guidance for professional development.

Access to distinguished industry leaders nationwide.

A research-based understanding of how to constructively address challenges of underrepresentation in these fields.

To further its goals, the BSN aims to maintain a vibrant network of scientists at Berkeley whose connection is sustained throughout their academic and professional careers. The BSN will serve as a pipeline of URM students ranging from high school students to undergraduates, graduates, postdocs and faculty within the physical sciences.

One of the primary functions of the BSN-BSC program is to act as a clearinghouse for information. Here are some links to help you prepare and strengthen your application to Berkeley's graduate programs:

A note about diversity: Diversity is often equated with affirmative action and other points of view rooted in social justice. Yet the research in diversity shows that groups with more diversity perform better than other more uniformed groups. Companies with a diverse employee base tend to produce better financially. Overall, there are many strands of research showing unequivocally why diversity matters. That is the true Strength of Diversity: we are better when many points of views are included in our day-to-day lives.